Community Corner
Two Men Charged with Stealing Downed Power Lines in Matawan
Police say the men planned to resell copper from the wires.
Two Middletown men are being charged with theft after they were caught stealing power lines downed by Hurricane Irene in Matawan, according to police.
Police say that Edward Smith, 30, and Joseph Cappola, 21, rented a Home Depot van and attempted to solicit hurricane debri clean up from residents on Ned Drive Tuesday morning.
According to Matawan Lt. Ben Smith, the men then began collecting power lines pulled down by a large tree that fell Sunday afternoon during the heavy winds after the storm.
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Lt. Smith said Sgt. Jerry Hourihan was patrolling the area when he noticed the men attempting to take the power lines and began investigating.
Police say the men intended to take the wires to melt down and sell the copper.
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Smith and Cappola were arrested by Det. Joe Lovado and Det. Steve Sakowski at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 and were each issued a summons for theft.
Their court date is set for Sept. 21.
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